PSALM 19 - DAVID'S REFLECTIVE MODE

Psalm 19 is a curious and noteworthy contribution to this body of poetry.  As is so often the case, David is the author of these potent words and thoughts.  

There is a fairly discernable outline to these somewhat disconnected thoughts:

• Verses 1-6 

We have these words seemingly as a result of David's reflective mind especially during his early years of watching his father's flocks.  Night after night and day after day, he spent time alone with his sheep observing the heavens and the movement and marvel of the heavenly bodies.  Needless to say, he was impressed!  Each observation seemed to move him toward greater wonder toward God!  

It makes you wonder how impoverished we are in the 21st century as we live out the majority of our days inside buildings and removed the the wonder of God's creation?

"The celestial realms announce God's glory; the skies testify of His hands' great work. Each day pours out more of their sayings; each night, more to hear and more to learn. Inaudible words are their manner of speech, and silence, their means to convey."  [vs.1-3]

[All quotes from The Voice Bible unless otherwise noted]

•  Verses 7-10

We can only imagine that contemplating God's immensity and design for such a massive and intricate creation moves David to reflect on the order that God has provided humanity and the guidelines He has set for them to heed.

The poet in David leaps to the foreground as he marvels at the clarity of God's laws and guidance! With repetitious yet ever illustrative language, he grows in the reader's heart a desire to know God better and love Him more!

God's words, directions, commandments and decisions "are worth more than gold...They are sweeter to the tongue than honey or the drippings of the honeycomb."  [v.10]

• Verses 11-13

Having meditated on the beauty and immensity of God's creation, and having reflected on the clarity of God's desire for His children to live in accord with His guidelines, David suddenly becomes aware of his own sinfulness.

Out of a desire to be totally acceptable to God, David seems to be concerned about sins that may be hidden deep in his subconscious - sins that he is unaware of.

"Who could possibly know all that he has done wrong?  Forgive my hidden and unknown faults...protect me from my bent toward pride, and keep sin from ruling my life." [vs.12-13]

•  Verse 14

Finally, David ends his poem in a plea that has been memorized by many sympathetic followers of David's God.  

After all that has gone before, one senses the depth of meaning and imploring that characterizes these final words!

"May the words that come out of my mouth and the musings of my heart meet with Your gracious approval, O Eternal, my Rock, O Eternal, my Redeemer."  [v.14]

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I'm writing this in March while living in western Pennsylvania.  The earliest hints of spring are in the air.  It won't be long and we'll be moving outdoors to enjoy the beauty of our world and its many fascinations!  

I look forward to camping and sitting around the campfire.  I'll observe the skies and reflect on my life.  Deb will go to bed and I'll sit in the quiet and whisper to my Lord.  I can't wait!  How about you?